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Porsche is introducing its first plug-in hybrid and two new extended wheelbase variants with the second generation of the Panamera. The new Panamera S E-Hybrid produces 416 total system horsepower and is joined by Panamera 4S Executive and Panamera Turbo Executive models in the revised Panamera lineup.

Further, S models are now powered by an entirely new 3.0-liter V6 engine with twin turbochargers.

At the Detroit Auto Show I got the chance to learn about and experience how the Panamera S E-Hybrid sets new standards in performance, efficiency, and convenience in everyday use.

The new Panamera S E-Hybrid improves upon the concept offered by the previous Panamera S Hybrid with a more powerful electric motor, a higher-performance battery that supplies more energy and is able be recharged from home or public vehicle charging stations. The electric drive produces 95 hp, more than double the power of the previous model’s electric motor (47 hp). Electricity is stored in a newly developed lithium-ion battery, which at 9.4 kWh has increased capacity over the previous battery (1.7 kWh). Via the integrated on-board charging componentry and the standard Porsche Universal Charger (AC), the battery can reach full charge within approximately two and a half hours when connected to a 240V power source.

The Panamera S E-Hybrid expands upon the driving performance of the previous generation, while fuel consumption is reduced when compared to the previous Panamera S Hybrid. Final U.S. EPA fuel economy ratings will be available closer to launch. Simultaneously, its electric-only driving performance is substantially improved, enhancing acceleration, range, and top speed. Electric-only driving is possible without any fuel consumption or local emissions, which is especially advantageous in city driving. The electric driving range of the Panamera S E-Hybrid is estimated to be greater than 20 miles based upon current NEDC testing. Driving range may vary in real world operation, due to the effects of environmental conditions, terrain, air conditioning and heating use, driving style and other factors. The Panamera S E-Hybrid can reach up to 84 mph in all-electric operation.

The Panamera S E-hybrid is capable of accelerating from a standstill to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds, an improvement of a half second when compared to the Panamera S Hybrid. An electric boost function helps in instances where maximum acceleration is desired, when the electric motor works in tandem with the combustion engine during acceleration. Electric boost is also available when a kick-down switch in the throttle pedal is activated by the driver during acceleration.

The car’s top track speed is 167 mph. The parallel full hybrid system developed by Porsche also offers “coasting” at higher speeds, a mode wherein the internal combustion engine is turned off and the electric motors use vehicle momentum to generate electricity that is stored in the lithium-ion battery.

The Panamera S E-Hybrid also includes an entirely new range of convenience functions which can be activated and operated by Porsche Car Connect, a mobile app available for Android and iOS-powered devices. These functions include a charge status indicator and the ability to control the vehicle’s new auxiliary climate control option, which enables vehicle preheating or cooling via the Porsche Car Connect app. These functions can also be programmed from inside the vehicle. A mobile device may also be used for remote access to vehicle information, such as remaining driving range or vehicle location. Other functions not specific to the hybrid drive will also be available as options for other Panamera models via the Porsche Car Connect mobile app.

The two full-sized rear bucket seats offered in the Panamera have proven so successful that Porsche is expanding this generous rear passenger compartment room with two new Panamera Executive models. The new Panamera 4S Executive and Panamera Turbo Executive models feature a wheelbase extended by 5.9 inches, enabling even more rear seating comfort and come with an extensive range of standard features. For example, all Executive models are equipped with Adaptive air-suspension featuring Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), which combines superior performance and enhanced ride comfort.